J.J. Abrams Signs On To Direct ‘Star Wars Episode VII’

There have been plenty of names rumored to be attached to this project, and finally, it appears as though we’ve finally learned who will direct Disney and LucasFilm’s Star Wars: Episode VII.

Coincidentally enough, it turns out to be none other than one of the names that we listed for the five directors who should direct the next chapter in the franchise, which we posted on the day that the Disney news broke. According to The Wrap (as well as also being confirmed by Deadline), J.J. Abrams (Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness, Super 8) has signed on to direct Star Wars: Episode VII, which is currently slated to release in 2015.

Ben Affleck was reportedly also up for the gig at one point but it ended up going to Abrams in the end. Previously, Abrams had stated that he would likely watch the next Star Wars as a fan, but seemed uninterested in directing. It looks like the “lure of the force” was too strong and Abrams is now in control of the two largest sci-fi franchises of all time. Abrams is currently in post-production of Star Trek Into Darkness while Toy Story 3 writer Michael Ardnt is scripting away on the next chapter of Star Wars, which should hit theatres in just two short years.

Source: The Wrap